Home

Senate Finance Chairman Lou D’Allesandro’s plan to repair the New Hampshire state budget with slot machines passed its first test just last night.  With a 4 to 3 vote, the Senate Finance Committee approved using slot machines to help the state’s 2010 and 2011 budget plan.

The plan, if it goes all the way to law, will bring slot machines to the three horse racing and dog racing tracks in New Hampshire.  Not only would the bill create these racinos, it will also see the construction of two slots parlors in the North Country.

Slot machines, if they gross according to estimates, could be a significant help to the state coffers.  The plan will tax 49 percent of slot machine revenues; estimates predict the state of New Hampshire can expect $185 million from slot machines.

Passing the Senate Finance Committee is certainly a success for the plan, but it is only a baby step; there is still a very long way to go.  Support for the bill is shaky at best, even the New Hampshire Governor John Lynch claims he is “skeptical” of gambling plans to fix the state budget.  D’Allesandro describes his feelings of the plans success as “cautiously optimistic.”  He has managed to muster support from fellow Senators John Gallus, Maggie Hassan, and Kathy Sgambati.

However tradition may be standing in the way of slot machines operating at state racing venues or anywhere else.  House Finance Committee Chairwoman Marjorie Smith does not seem to be able to see the slot machine plan getting very far at all.

“The House has never supported gambling, and we have no reason to believe that position will change,” said Smith

Casino News